Klarinet Archive - Posting 000302.txt from 1999/02

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Getting used to a bass clarinet
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 23:47:55 -0500

On Sun, 7 Feb 1999, Kenneth Wolman wrote:

> What's funny is going back to the soprano Bb after working on the
> bass. By comparison, there IS no effort....

Do not dismiss this phenomenon. Rather, direct your attention
at it with great deliberation, for it holds one possible key to
developing superb soprano clarinet technique and control, and then
developing that same ease of playing on bass. You're putting much
more air through the soprano instrument than you normally would
after playing bass. If you put that volume of air under signifi-
cant support from the diaphragm, you can produce the same level of
ease in playing as before without releasing so much air. This is
just the tip of the iceberg, but the translation of techniques back
and forth between bass and soprano can be a *very* fruitful rela-
tionship. The ultimate goal with this methodology is to develop a
unified approach to technique and musicianship which applies equally
on both instruments. You breathe the same. The embouchure is (be-
lieve it or not) nearly identical. The fingers assume the same level
of relaxation. It is a given that there is no difference in respective
range possibilities on each instrument. The easiest way to manifest
the fact that everything possible on soprano is also possible on bass --
and vice versa -- is to develop a flexibility of technique that applies
equally on both instruments.

You also wrote:

> If any of you dedicated bass players have suggestions, I'm MORE
> than happy to hear them. As long as they don't involve changing
> mouthpieces: the damn Selmer Paris mouthpiece was a fortune as it
> was:-).

The most effective way to become proficient on soprano clarinet
is to address basic technique. Use Klose' and Baermann scales.
Use long tones. Use articulation and dexterity studies. Use
etudes. Continue to take private lessons. Apply all of these
fundamental elements of technique as diligently and consistently
to bass playing, and you will see the same level of growth and
development in your bass playing as you do on soprano.

Neil

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